The cliffs of the Betamian shore stood black against a red sunset. Avery watched the cliffs, wondering why they felt so foreboding to him, when only a few months ago they seemed so beautiful.

His negotiations had failed. He looked down, watching the surf reach for the shore. He wanted to be angry, but he couldn’t. Not when this was his own fault.

Of course Maloom had replaced anyone that was no a follower of his. He wouldn’t have anyone in power that could turn on him! Avery had been a fool to think otherwise.

It was clear what he must do.

Slowly Avery brought his arms up to his neck and untied the laces that held his loose robes on. The robes fell, sliding down his body, revealing beneath them a full Hailian military suit, complete with a sheathed sword. Out of his pocket he removed a crumpled up hat, and after smoothing it out, placed it on his head. He pulled his gloves on, and then, set out alone, through the Betamian forest, towards the castle.

 

 

Will slowly became aware of himself again. Drowsily he opened his eyes, but didn’t move beyond that. His body felt incredibly heavy and even the slight movement of opening his eyes cause a wave of dizziness to assault him. His mind was fuzzy as well. He was lying down, but he couldn’t remember falling asleep. As his eyes stared upward he noticed a slight movement above him. Blinking he tried to clear his vision, only to have the white ceiling blur more.

Will closed his eyes a moment, and then opened them again. This time he could see much better and realized that the white thing above him was not the ceiling, but a large feathered wing, spread over him, almost protectively.

“You awake?” a voice came from his side. Will blinked and looked over to see Fairien lying next to him, his wings spread out over them, like a blanket.

“You’ve been borrowing my wings.” He said. Will frowned, trying to pull his mind together enough to answer.

“Mmm. Yeah. How did you know?” he asked.

“Well, they are my wings.” Fairien said. Will supposed that made sense.

“Where are we?” he asked.

“In my quarters.” Fairien said. “Don’t worry. You’re safe now.”

“Safe…?” Will mused. He jerked up, gasping, his mind clearing from the hazy it had been in. Fairien looked up at him startled and pulled his wings back, folding them behind him.

“Are you alright Will?” he asked.

“No!” Will said, “We have to get out of here!”

“What? Why?” Fairien asked. Will stared at him, hardly believing what he was hearing.

“What do you mean why? We’re in the enemy’s strong hold!” Will said. “If you stay here you’re doomed!” Fairien stared at him a moment, then sighed.

“Will, that’s not the case. I think your confused.” He said. “I’m home.”

“H-Home?” Will stuttered. His mind bogged back into confusion. Fairien nodded, looking at him oddly.

“You’re acting like I was kidnapped.” He said, then eyeing Will he paused a look of surprise coming over his face, “This is what you thought, isn’t it?”

“Y-Yeah… Wait, you weren’t?” Will asked. Fairien nodded.

“I thought I was being attacked at first, and I knew someone was pulling me out of my world, but Yash was rescuing me, more than anything. You see, he brought me back, to my home, to the place I lived before your world was created. This is where I belong Will. Do you understand?” he asked.

“No… I don’t think I do.” Will said. Fairien shrugged, looking away again.

“You see, ever since coming back, I’ve started regaining my memories. They’re all really cloudy still, but there is one that’s very clear.” He continued, “Me, Minerva, and Azrael, as children and we… We had a teacher that taught us so many things, and I realized when I saw Yash, that he was that teacher.”

“Ahh… uh huh…” Will said. A teacher? What? He thought.

“And I remember we were all so happy.” Fairien said. “But then something happened that ruined it all, but I… He paused shaking his head. “I can’t remember past there. But Yash says the memories will come, that they’ll get stronger as I awaken, because that’s what’s happening Will, I’m awakening.”

“B-But how can you be sure? How can you trust Yash?” Will asked.

“He’s given me no reason to mistrust him.” Fairien said stubbornly. “Why do you dislike him so much? You’ve never even met him.”

“That’s not true! He attacked me!” Will said.

“He what?” Fairien asked shocked. “He did not! Yash would never attack you!”

“He did!” Will said, “That’s how I knew you were in the underworld!”

“Did he hurt you?” Fairien asked. Will stopped.

“N-No… He didn’t.” he said finally.

“Then he didn’t really attack you.” Fairien said.

“No but-!”

“You shouldn’t say things like that then!” Fairien said. Will stared at him, lost for words.

“B-But…” he finally managed to stammer, “There are others, others that are just like you, not like the people here! That’s where you belong! I’ve met them! They’ve helped me…” Will tried to explain but his mind was already swimming in disbelief and confusion.

“How do you know where I belong?” Fairien asked darkly. “You don’ t understand. I know, I know this is where I belong. Yes, I’ve heard of the other people, Yash has told me about them. They are tyrants! Did you know that is was those people that sealed me and Azrael and Minerva away, because we fought against them? Yash and the others thought we had been killed, and didn’t know where we were, until they noticed the other world, which,” Fairien paused, “Ironically enough their discovery of our world was prompted by the wanderer and her return. She had become a part of our world and by bringing her back here, she formed a link between the worlds, making it possible for Yash and others like him to enter our world.” He said.

“That’s terrible.” Will said.

“Will! Stop it! It’s not terrible!” Fairien shouted. He caught his breath and calmed his voice, continuing, “I can’t wait until they bring Minerva and Azrael here. I miss them and I want them to find their home here, like I have.”

“But Fairien--!”

“Look,” Fairien interrupted him. His eyes had softened again and Will, noticing this quieted. “I know, you probably don’t want me to leave, and believe me, it’s hard to just leave my world behind… I wanted to go back, despite finally finding my home, but… I can’t. It’s fate that brought me here and I can’t ignore my destiny.” Will looked down.

“Destiny…” he said quietly. “Isn’t that what got you in trouble before?” he asked. Fairien blinked. “It got you killed remember.” Will reminded him. Fairien paused.

“It’s not like that.” He said quietly. “Not this time.”

“You’re unsure.” Will said quietly. Fairien frowned at him and didn’t answer.

“I have my memories. They don’t lie.” Fairien said. Will sighed.

“Then I came here for nothing.” He said. “Maybe Charon was right.”

“… Will, I’m glad you came.” Fairien said reluctantly. “I mean, Yash is alright but… It’s been lonely here.”

“I didn’t come here to keep you company, I came here to help you!” Will said angrily. “You’re treating me like a play thing.”

“Will! I didn’t mean-” Fairien trailed off, giving up. “I’m sorry.” He said. Grudgingly Will nodded. “Why don’t you rest some more.” Fairien said quietly. “You’ve been through a lot, haven’t you?”

“… I…” Will looked down at the floor, not sure what he wanted anymore. “Fairien, answer me this,” he finally said, “Are you happy here?” he moved his eyes up again to look at Fairien. Fairien stared back at him, unsettled it seemed by the question.

“Don’t ask me that Will.” he said. “I… might not answer correctly.”

“What do you mean correctly?”

“I might not answer correctly, because I don’t have all my memories back yet. Once they come… Then I’ll know.” Fairien said.

“Well then,” Will paused and then said, “I hope your memories come back soon.”

 

 

“Still, are you sure the mortal won’t upset our plans?” Ariel asked.

“My plans dear.” Yash reminded her. Ariel scowled slightly but nodded.

“Yes yes, don’t pull that rank stuff now Yash. You know what I’m asking.” She said folding her arms across her chest. They stood out on a balcony, overlooking darkness. Below them, across the chasm was a window into Fairien’s room. They watched the two figures talking animatedly, and finally watched as the human settled back, giving up it seemed.

“Michael is too naïve to know the truth when he sees it.” Yash said. “That is in fact why he was chosen.”

“The other two would have been smart enough to see through you?” Ariel asked.

“Smart enough or intuitive enough.” Yash said. “That’s why we’ll have to extract the power from them by force. However, by isolating Michael and bringing him closer to our ways, perhaps that won’t be necessary for him. We may gain much more than the power from him. We may in fact gain him.” Yash smiled, “and if I’m not mistaken, the mortal will not interfere in this conversion. Rather, I believe he will make it possible.”

 

 

Something was moving into place. Eros blinked, feeling the current of events swing. The time was drawing nearer and he would act soon. His attention was brought to a lone figure, walking through the Betamian woods, toward the castle. It was this person that would bring the events into place. Eros smiled, watching and waiting. It wouldn’t be long.

 

 

Avery flattened himself against the old Betamian wall. He knew this terrain well, and sneaking over the walls and barriers of the castle was nothing to him. He watched, above him and could see a lit balcony. He knew it was a large round balcony, with a short rail.

Maloom stood on that balcony.

Avery could hear his short conversations with the guards, and then he heard Maloom dismiss them.

Now was the time to act. Slowly and carefully, Avery began to climb the wall, his movements silent in the still air of the night.   

 

 

Maloom had a delicate wine glass in his hand, filled with a deep red wine. He sipped it casually, gazing out across the Betamian forest. A small smile curved up on his lips and he turned, making as though to return back to his study. There was the smallest of sounds and Maloom whirled around, in time to see a white figure shoot into the air. It was almost too quick to see as it came, slicing down like an angry blast of wind.

Avery shouted and brought the blade of his sword down with enough force to bury it deep into Maloom’s chest. Maloom cried out, in what seemed genuine surprise, but there was no cry of pain. Avery felt his sword hit Maloom, and bounce off, as though he had struck a rock wall. He gasped, feeling his body hit the ground and rolled away. Quickly he jumped up, instinctively holding the blade before him. Maloom observed him with cool indifference.

“Well, if it isn’t the Hailian.” He said smoothly and threw his wine glass away. Avery snarled and rushed forward again, determined not to let this chance get away from him. Oddly enough Maloom made no move to run, letting Avery pull his sword back once more and plunge it into him. Only, it didn’t go in. Avery stood, staring in amazement at his sword, which refused to pierce Maloom’s body. He lifted his eyes to Maloom’s, and watched helplessly.

“You see,” Maloom said, “The power of our lord is strong.” Avery jerked back, pulling away from Maloom. His eyes were wide and there was a cold prickly feeling running up his body. Maloom stepped forward, cornering Avery against the rail of the balcony. For some reason Avery felt unable to move as he stared into Maloom’s eyes shining brightly down at him. He let out a whimper and fell to the ground, dropping his sword. Maloom stood over him, triumphant.

 

 

“There’s something wrong Minerva…” Azrael was saying. They were in her sacred realm, deep in the jungle of Iyokia, hidden away from human eyes.

“There is nothing wrong.” Minerva said. “If there is something wrong, then what is it?”

“I don’t know.” Azrael admitted.

“Then there is nothing wrong.” She replied lightly. Azrael sighed. Minerva didn’t understand this feeling. She was still too blind by reason to understand the gut twisting pains that intuition could bring.

“There has to be something wrong…” Azrael said.

“I know your upset about Michael, but really-”

“I don’t believe that is it Minerva.” Azrael said calmly. He blinked, seeing something.

“What?” Minerva asked, noticing his blank stare.

“There is a fight going on. Avery is fighting Maloom Vraido… Or rather, about to be killed by him.”

“We are not getting involved.” Minerva said. “Humans will be humans. We will not interfere.” Azrael looked at her anxiously but then sighed.

“I… I suppose your right.” He said.

 

 

Maloom carefully picked up Avery’s sword and held it, looking it over carefully.

“Ah, now you see the follies of using a Hailian sword. Many people think they are superior to Betamian swords, but apparently not so...” Maloom smiled. “Maybe we should test it once more…? Give it the benefit of the doubt?” he said. Avery continued to stare at him, transfixed with horror. Maloom gripped the blade with both hands and grinning, pulled back and struck. He sent the sword plunging deep into Avery’s chest. Avery screamed, grabbing the rails, falling back against them and onto the marble floor. Blood spread out from his form as Maloom pulled back to strike once more.

“You’ve become more than an nuisance. But I do not believe you will be a problem now.” He said. Avery looked up at Maloom, unbelieving. His body was blurred, and as Avery looked closer, he could see another figure, gazing down at him coldly, acting as though Avery could not see him.

In that instant Avery understood that indeed, there was a power behind Maloom, but it was not Michael, the spirit of their world, as Maloom believed; instead it was another, another that was perhaps far more powerful. It was this being that Avery beheld now, and he knew suddenly that this was not something he could handle alone.

Maloom dug the sword in, wrenching it around once again. Avery screamed again and squeezed his eyes shut, clamping his jaws together, muttering through the pain. Maloom blinked, hearing Avery’s muttered words.

“What’s this?” he asked, drawing back once more to strike. “Praying are you? I fear it is too late for that.” And he struck again, hitting deeper into Avery’s chest, confident that he had destroyed vital organs this time. Avery gasped, feeling his life drain away as his blood pooled over the white marble and dripped off the side of the balcony. Hazily he tried to finish the last few words but his mind and body were slowing, unwilling it seemed to obey him anymore. He fell deeper sliding into unconscious as he said the last word of the summoning and then he lay still.

 

 

“You are not going!” Minerva shouted standing up. “We cannot interfere with human affairs!” Azrael squeezed his eyes shut.

“But what if… What is this weren’t the affairs of humans, what if it were something more…?” he asked. Minerva looked at him oddly. Azrael’s eyes snapped open and he stood up.

“Azrael-” Minerva shouted, but it was too late. He was gone.

 

 

There was a burst of light and Maloom was knocked back away from Avery. He gasped, unsettled by this sudden power. He pulled himself up, still clutching the bloody sword and stared, transfixed.

Azrael stood there, in his full glory, glaring at Maloom with anger so strong radiating from his presence that Maloom felt as though he had had boiling water poured over him. Azrael only wasted a moment to glare at him and then turned his attention to Avery, kneeling by him and began to heal him.

Maloom would have been awestruck and perhaps fearful, had not a stronger emotion took hold of him. He stood up.

“What business do you have here, Azrael of the demon race?” he asked scornfully. “You are out of your territory.” Azrael however, did not waste time answer him. Maloom growled and stepped forward, about to raise the sword again. It was only now that Azrael gave him notice. He froze suddenly aware of a great presence all around him. Azrael gasped, turning to Maloom and saw that his form was drenched in this power. Maloom pulled the sword back, grinning now that he was getting some attention.

“I’ve killed him and I’ll kill you too.” He said. “No dirty Hailians or their god is going to defile my pure country!” and he raised the blade to strike.

But there was another burst of power, this time much angrier, which froze his sword and made Maloom stop cold. Minerva stood before him, her form glowing in an angry blue haze. She glared at him, fury written on her features.

“Care to repeat that human?” she asked. Maloom was almost lost for words as he stared into her stormy aura. Minerva growled and turned to Azrael. “Keep healing him. I’ll deal with this one.”

“You will do no such thing.” Maloom said quietly. Minerva blinked, looking at him startled. The strong presence grew even stronger and a form materialized behind Maloom. Maloom’s eyes hazed over and he slumped to the ground, unaware. Minerva stared at this stranger. He was tall and powerfully built, with short, cropped hair that spiked slightly at the top of his head.

“Who are you?” Minerva asked, startled by his appearance and power. Azrael had looked up, but was still busy with the healing. The man watched them serenely.

“My name is Eros.” He said. “And I have been in your world for only a short period of time, but I must say, this is an interesting world you’ve made up. Interesting indeed.” He said.

“You’re the one that put us to sleep.” Minerva growled. “And the one who took Michael!” Eros laughed at this.

“You’re right of course, except that I did not take Michael, at least not personally. However, I assure you, he is in the best of hands.”

“What do you want?” Azrael asked calmly from behind Minerva. “As you can see, we have nothing to give you, we only have this world and I’m afraid we will not give that to you.”

“On the contrary,” Eros said, “While I admit this world is very nice, the humans here are extraordinarily easy to manipulate, it is but a simple pleasure and not my true purpose.” He said quietly. “You see, in my world, my… colleagues and I, we are fighting a war, and to win this war, we need something from this world. Something, that incidentally lies within each of you. A great power, you see, and this is what I must ask for.”

“Well, you will not receive it.” Minerva said. “Certainly, you have made a bad impression. Did you think that would lead us into aiding you?”

“Oh no, my dear.” Eros said, “I do not seek your permission. You see, I do not need it.” He smiled, moving closer to Minerva. Her eyes widened and she took an involuntary step back. “That power of which I speak was stolen and is not rightfully yours so you have no right to withhold it from me. And even if you do,” he paused, “You have no chance.” And with that he lunged at Minerva, knocking her down and hitting her with his power. She screamed, falling back.

“Minerva!” Azrael shouted and jumped at Eros, fighting him back. However, it was in vain, Eros, they could tell was much more powerful than even both of them combined. Azrael felt Eros’s power envelop him too and knew there was no way they could win. Whatever power this was that he wanted, Eros would have it.

Azrael felt the world sway before as his body was invaded and his core drained. He slumped over feeling the impossible jaws of death wedge their way around him. And then everything stopped.

At first, Azrael thought he was dead, then realized that he could feel his body again, and that was certainly an encouraging sign. He opened his eyes to see Eros backing away as two forms cornered him against the building. Eros screamed once and then, was plunged out of existence, by these two formidable powers.

There was a moment’s pause and then these two beings turned, moving to him and Minerva, helping them up.

“Are you alright?” one asked. Azrael nodded weakly, still feeling as though the strong power were reaching into him. Their saviors smiled.

“Everything is alright now. You must be Azrael and Minerva.” The other said. “My name is Hazael and this is Nathanael. It’s nice to meet you.”

 

 

Tella, Collin, Nathanael, and Hazael had arrived to see Eros overpower Minerva and Azrael. It had been a completely shocking scene to the mortals, but Hazael and Nathanael had moved quickly, chasing Eros away and helping the deities regain consciousness. Tella gasped, seeing a bloody figure laying at the other end of the balcony and cried out when she realized that it was Avery. She ran to him and knelt down, tears coming to her eyes.

“Avery!” she shouted.

“It’s alright.” Came a soft voice behind her, “I healed him.” Tella turned to see Azrael watching her.

“T-Thank you.” Tella said. She gasped feeling Avery’s hand move to her own and squeeze her fingers weakly. He opened his eyes and watched her for a moment.

“You’re being so loud Tella.” Avery whispered, “Why is everyone shouting? Have you done something?” he asked accusingly, though his voice was weak and quiet. Tella laughed in joy, but noticing Avery wince at the sound, softened her voice.

“No. I haven’t done anything. But it seems you have.” She said. He smiled slightly.

“Not really.” He said trying to dismiss the topic, “I’m just glad you’re back and safe.”

“Ah, I am back and safe, but I don’t think this is over.” Tella said quietly, watching Hazael and Nathanael talking to Azrael and Minerva. Collin stood near Tella, watching everyone silently.

“Yes.” Avery said. “You may be right.” He said, glancing over at Maloom’s still unconscious body.

 

 

“Don’t you want to go eat?” Fairien asked. Will looked at him, reluctantly. They had sat in Fairien’s room and talked, trying icily to avoid conflict, but Fairien couldn’t help but notice Will’s reluctance to agree with him on anything. Now Will was looking at him oddly again.

“No…” he said. He seemed to be confused, unwilling to leave the safety of the room, but even more unwilling to be left by himself in this place. Fairien frowned.

“I told you your safe.” He said. Will looked down at the floor. He didn’t want to upset Fairien, but he really didn’t want to interact with those… beings again.

“They tried to kill me Fairien.” He said. “I don’t want to eat with them.”

“They… They just didn’t know who you were! That’s all!” Fairien said.

“… I’m not hungry.” Will said, trying to avoid arguing. Fairien stared at him, a hurt expression on his face. Why was Will being so stubborn about accepting this part of his life? These people here, they were his brothers and sisters, and Will feared them, maybe even hated them. It hurt.

“Alright. Fine.” Fairien said and left. Will almost changed his mind, but didn’t move. Instead he locked the door and waited for Fairien to come back.

 

 

Yash sat in his study, staring at a red orb, hovering just above his hands. It glowed warmly as Yash sealed a star, filled with seeds within the orb. It gave one last glow, and then disappeared. Yash smiled.

He would act tonight.

 

 

It had been a short evening, and since Fairien had given up on talking to Will, he went to bed early and surprisingly found himself falling asleep quicker than he ever had in this place.

He was dreaming, something that seemed to happen quite frequently, though he almost never remembered his dreams when he awoke. Determinedly, Fairien set out to remember this one. Maybe, he would uncover some more of his lost memories from the time before he awakened in the other world…

But it wasn’t like that. Fairien frowned, disappointed, finding himself in a white world, consumed in mist. Slowly, he began to remember his dreams. It was like this every night, a woman would come to him, and present him with some kind of object, but every time Fairien reached out for it, he would pull back, suddenly frightened and wary of what this object was. Somehow, he knew better than to take this thing… He groaned, not wanting to go through this again.

But the woman did not come. Fairien waited, wondering what his mind was trying to show him tonight. He sighed, tired of waiting and was just about to try and find a way out of this place, when he felt the presence of another. He turned and cried out in surprise to see Will.

However, there seemed to be something wrong with Will. His eyes were glazed and empty, and he did not move. Fairien blinked, walking to him quietly.

“Will?” he asked and reached out to touch his shoulder, but Will pulled away, shying from his touch. Fairien frowned, and stared at him. Slowly, Will met his eyes and reached into his pocket, taking out a glowing red orb. Fairien watched the orb, feeling odd suddenly. This was just like the other dreams he had had, but now…

“Not you too Will…” he murmured, but found that he couldn’t take his eyes off the orb. The more he looked at it, the clearer it became. It wasn’t just an orb, but a piece of fruit. A pomegranate it seemed.

“This is weird…” Fairien murmured again, as Will moved closer, pushing the fruit against his lips.  For some reason Fairien found himself craving this fruit, and unlike before it wasn’t coming from a stranger, it was coming from Will, so it couldn’t be bad, right?

He closed his eyes and for the briefest of moments, he tottered on the edge, ready to bit into the pomegranate, but his arm rose up and pushed the fruit away, and he stepped back, gasping.

Will looked at him a slightly sadness coming into his eyes and then, his eyelids drooped, and he fell, sliding away into the mist. Fairien stepped back, shocked shouting,

“Will!” but he was gone, and Fairien could feel himself waking up. His eyes opened and he found himself sealed in the darkness of his room. Will was there, on the floor, where he had made a nest of blankets and pillows. He was curled around one of the pillows, and was sleeping soundly. Fairien watched him a moment, then stood up, not quite sure what to think.

At least this time, he thought, I remembered the dream.

 

 

 

Yash stared as the orb returned to him. His face was pail in the glowing light and he continued to stare. His plan had seemed foolproof… Why had Michael still refused the fruit of the underworld, even when it was presented to someone close to him? Perhaps he didn’t give Michael the credit he disserved. Perhaps there was some kind of subconscious warning that kept him safe from all attempts of temptation. Yash pulled back, admitting defeat.

Well, all that meant was that he would have to take the power forcefully. He came to this conclusion reluctantly, still wanting the power that Michael could give them if he were to join them by eating the fruit.

But if that was impossible…

Yash stood up. They would have that power. And they would have it tonight!

 

 

Fairien jumped, hearing a knock at his door. He frowned, getting up again, wondering why he was being disturbed at such an hour. He opened the door to see Yash watching him.

“H-Hi Yash.” He said shakily.

“Hello Michael. I’m sorry to disturb you this late, but something important has happened. We need your help.” He said. Fairien’s eyes widened.

“Really?” he asked. “What’s happened?”

As the conversation progressed, Will opened his eyes, blinking sleepily.

Hmmph… People… He thought angrily, wanting to curl back into his nest and sleep some more, but then he heard a voice that brought him fully awake.

“That’s something I’ll have to discuss with you when we arrive in the main chamber.” Yash said. Will jumped up, glaring at Yash, his body switching into defensive mode. Fairien nodded vigorously.

“Alright.” He said.

“Fairien!” Will said, “What-”

“Oh Will,” Fairien turned, seeing him. “It’s alright. Go back to sleep. I have to take care of something.”

“No!” Will shouted, glaring at Yash, “I told you to leave him alone!” Yash looked at Will, suddenly despising the mortal.

“Know your place mortal.” He growled and lifted his hand. Will gasped, feeling and icy power surround him and penetrate him, holding his body still. Will tried to cry out, but found that even his mouth was clamped shut.

“Yash!” Fairien shouted in surprise. “Stop!”

“I’m afraid we can’t afford any delays in this mission Michael.” Yash said coolly. “Now come with me.”

“I will not!” Fairien cried in outrage, “Release him! You’ve gone too far!”

“No Michael,” Yash said turning his icy gaze on Fairien, “It is you who has gone too far.” And with that, Yash released the same immobilizing power he had used on Will onto Fairien. Fairien gasped, disbelievingly, as he felt himself rendered helpless. Yash smiled a dark triumphant smile that Fairien had never seen him use. “Now, come.” He said. “I will not waste anymore time on you.” Shakily, Fairien felt himself comply, moving forward, following Yash. Almost as an after thought, Yash turned back to Will.

“Why don’t you come as well?” he asked. “You might as well know what happens to your friend, so that your despair will be complete.” Will felt his legs respond, propelling him after Yash and Fairien, following them down the dark halls to an appointed fate.

 

 

Fairien didn’t understand. All of this thoughts swirled impossibly around in his head. How could this be happening? Yash was his friend! His teacher! Didn’t that mean anything? He clung to the memory, the long ago bright memory…

 

“Now then can any of you tell me the difference between potential energy and kinetic?” Yash’s kind voice asked.

“I know!” Minerva shouted happily. Fairien’s mind blurred over the answer. He remembered himself staring out a window. He jumped, feeling Azrael nudge him.

“Pay attention…” he muttered to Fairien. Fairien glanced at him rebelliously.

“Michael?” Yash said. Fairien felt himself tense and realized his teacher’s eyes were on him.

“Ah… Yes?” he asked.

“Tell me about friction.” He asked, smiling gently. There was a lot in that smile. It was challenging, cool and more than anything, amused. Fairien panicked.

“I-I don’t know… Umm… It… It makes things hot when they rub against each other…” he muttered. Minerva shot him a disapproving look.

“The force of friction is equal to the coefficient of friction times the normal force. The normal force is the amount of force-” she rambled.

“Yes Minerva. I know you know, but I was wondering if Michael knew.” Yash said quietly. Minerva froze, color rising to her cheeks.

“S-Sorry.” She mumbled.

“So Michael, answer me this, why does friction make things hot when they rub together?” he asked calmly.

“I don’t think I follow you sir.” Fairien answered. He paused, “In less you mean that friction makes things hot like that, because it is a forces, and that is its purpose. It is part of the balance of the world and it keeps things held together, just like all the other forces in the world.” Yash smiled.

“That is precisely what I meant. Very good Michael.” He said.

 

 

The memory ended there. Fairien remembered it because he had been praised. Praised not for bravery or kindness, but for being intelligent… It was a rare occasion, he reflected.
                But now Yash, the same kind hearted benevolent teacher they had known was now leading him into darkness, looking at him with cold hungry eyes, instead of the warm amused loving eyes that Fairien had known from the memory.

Not only that, but Will had tried to warn him. But could he listen? Of course not. He had been so convinced he was right and that Will was over reacting that he had been blind to the truth. It hurt so much now, to think that he couldn’t have even given Will the faith to listen to him, to give him an open mind… Instead he had coldly ignored him. Fairien shivered. And now they would both pay for his stupidity.

 

 

As Fairien berated himself, his eyes down at the floor, Will stared ahead, looking for someway out of this mess. No opportunity had yet presented itself. As his eyes wandered down the halls, he paused, seeing something large and blue, standing in one of the doorways. He would have stopped and gasped in surprise if his body had been under his control. He was looking at a form, incased in crystal and that form belong to none other than the wanderer. What was she doing down here?

However, Will could not paused and stare, for his body was moving him onward and he soon lost sight of the wanderer. But he would not forget what he had seen.

 

 

They entered a large chamber and were surprised to see a small crowd of armored beings, watching them. Will was pushed to the side still unable to move on his own, while Fairien was lead up to the center of the room. From where Will stood he could see that at the center of the room was a large collection of what appeared to be black vines. There was a wall there in which the ones that were not clustered near the bottom, grew up the sides of this wall, reaching their ghastly tendrils higher, though Will couldn’t imagine a plant like that wanting light. He watched in horror, as Fairien walked unwillingly into this collection of vines. The vines reacted swiftly, curling themselves around their prey, pinning him against the wall, tightening their grip on him, so that even if Fairien had control of his body he would not have been able to move it.

“Now we will have the power.” Yash said coldly, “The power that we have sought for centuries only to find it locked away form us, but no longer. Tonight, we will reclaim the power that was lost to us, once and for all!” his speech was followed by cheers from the armored beings. Will shivered, trying not to get stepped on as he watched Fairien’s doom. Fairien felt the vines growing around him tighter and tighter, until they pieced him, pulling hungrily at his energy. He gasped in pain, wincing. A small part of his mind realized that Yash had released him from his power, though that did him no good now. The world grew slow and hazy. Yash smiled.

“Hit him with the voltage.” He ordered. For it was this voltage that would draw the power out, attracted to the power within Fairien, it would rob him of it. Yash smiled, thinking it ironic that he was using the very same principals of physics that he had taught Michael so long ago, to torment him now.
                Tendrils of electricity shot up the vines, attacking Fairien’s body, however, they did not seem to be reacting with anything. Yash frowned.

“Take it to a higher voltage.” He ordered. Several of the armored beings scrambled to follow his orders, hitting into commands to the vines device. The power increase, sparking faster and jolting Fairien’s body more violently. However, the electricity did not react with anything. Yash blinked, growing worried.

“Higher.” He ordered again. The jolts of light made blinding patters as they arched across the vines, making Fairien scream. The whirling sound could be heard building, and it seemed the electricity was coming together near Fairien’s chest. Yash blinked. So now, here it came at last.

But nothing came from Fairien’s chest. Instead the electricity build higher, glowing angrily, concentrating together, Yash frowned, suddenly realizing that it was acting as though it was going to arch. He jumped back shouted,

“Watch it! It’s arching!” no sooner had he said it then the electricity shot from Fairien’s form and jolted out into the crowd. There was a scream and as Yash turned he saw where the electricity had jumped.

It had hit the mortal.

Yash’s eyes widened, realizing that the electricity was being drawn to him, that the power must lie not within Michael, but somehow, within the mortal.

“Get him!” Yash shouted, “Get the mortal! He has it! He has the power!” with that Yash jumped down from the platform and raced into the crowd, trying to reach Will. Will who had been disoriented by the blast of electricity jolting into his body stood blinked, too shocked to run.

Fairien lifted his head, feeling the vines released him. He fell to the floor, watching the scene before him weakly. Everyone was running and shouting and as Fairien watched it became apparent to him what had happened.

Will… Will has the sword. He gasped and tried to raise himself up. Will has the sword and that’s the power they’re after!

“No!” Fairien shouted, energy rushing into his body as adrenaline kicked in. His wings spouted form his back, white and pure against the darkness of this place. Fairien jumped into the air and flung himself over the armored beings racing to Will.

Yash felt a strong wind rush over him and realized too late that it was Michael, soaring above him, trying to reach Will.

“Will!” Fairien shouted. Will blinked and looked up, just in time to see Fairien swoop down for him, grabbing his arm, and lifting him dangling by that arm into the air, as they rushed out of the chamber.

“Don’t let them escape!” Yash shouted, pushing his own wings out and jumping into the air after Fairien.

 

 

Fairien was flying, blindly ducking into hall after hall attempting to loose his pursuers. However, they knew this place far better than he did. Also, Fairien’s energy was running out. He hadn’t had much to begin with, but now even his reserves and adrenaline were failing him. And Will was heavy.

 Without warning they shot out into an open chasm. Will gasping looking down, still only hanging on to Fairien by one arm, he swayed dangerously.

Fairien set off, trying to fly upward, even though he could see no light from that direction. However as he moved up he could hear sound bouncing off the cave walls, echoing all around him. As he looked up his was met with the horrifying sight of about fifty armored warriors, flying above him, waiting for him to come up and meet them. Fairien gasped and felt himself falling back, sinking lower into the darkness. Will was shouting his name, but Fairien felt his grip on consciousness failing him as his body gave out, completely drained.

They fell, Will still holding tightly to his hand, shouting. Fairien’s eyes opened a centimeter and he was met with the image of not darkness as they fell, but fire and heat, rising up from the chasm. He gasped, and tried to fly, but again he was helpless and they continued to fall.

Will screamed once more, but was silent then, understanding that they were going to die. Fairien squeezed his eyes shut, however just as he thought they would plunge into he fire, their fall stopped. He gasped and opened his eyes to find the world bathed in a strong blue light. Will was still there with him, still holding on to his arm.

“We’ll get you out of here.” A voice said. Fairien cried out, recognizing that voice. And then, they were gone.

 

 

Yash cursed his luck as he flew against the dark cliffs of the chasm, gazing down where Michael had been only moments before. He had been too late! How could this happen…? He growled, wheeling upward, entering on of the halls and landed, folding his wings back.

“They think this is it don’t they?” he murmured angrily. “This is far from over. I will not give up after coming this close to winning. As always they don’t know what they are dealing with…” he laughed, still angry but a new plot was forming in his mind, “They have stood in the way of my plans much too often. It will not happen again.” He vowed and walked away into the darkness.

 

 

 

 

OMAKE

Just a weird thought I had… messy comedy. Please pardon.

 

Minerva: “You want to know why I was so angry all those years? Why I hated you both so much?!”

Azrael: “Because you didn’t understand our way of thinking?”

Minerva: “NO! Because your names end in “ael”, but mine ends in “va”! “VA”!

Fairien: “… Yeah…So…”

Minerva:(glare) “-va, is cold and sharp sounding, while “ael” is soft and feminine!”

Fairien: (to Azrael): “Did she just call us soft and feminine?”

Azrael: (looking kind of weirded out) “…I-I think so…”